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Green Computing: The Green Computing: The Environmental Impact of Environmental Impact of Desktop ComputingDesktop Computing
Catherine SteevesAssociate Chief Librarian, ITS
Gillian MauriceSustainability Coordinator
University of Guelph
Presentation to OLA – February 1, 2007
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What is What is Green ComputingGreen Computing??
The positive (or least negative) relationship between the physical computer and its impact to the environments in which it moves through from cradle to grave
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Green Computing – Why?Green Computing – Why?
Growing public environmental awareness
Increasing impacts on environmental and human health
Corporate social responsibility
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Cradle to Grave ApproachCradle to Grave Approach
Full life-cycle analysis, not just the product on our desks
Looks at:ManufacturingUse during lifetimeDisposal and reallocation
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Manufacturing – Fossil FuelsManufacturing – Fossil Fuels
Average desktop computer with monitor requires 10 times its weight in chemicals and fossil fuels to produce
240 kg of fossil fuel for CRT monitor (United Nations University)
266 kg of fossil fuel for LCD monitor (Williams, 2003)
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ManufacturingManufacturing –– Monitors Monitors
CRT – lead and zinc leachate mean monitors are hazardous waste (Lee et al., 2004) Lead: bioavailable in soil - can attack proteins
and DNA, as well as interfere with nervous system function (Bechara, 2004; Needleman, 2004)
LCD – 4-12 mg mercury /unit (Williams, 2003)
Liquid crystals – polycyclic or halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, 588 different compounds 4% have potential for acute toxicity, but show no
mutagenic effects in bacteria tests (Williams, 2003)
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Manufacturing – Other ToxinsManufacturing – Other Toxins
PBDE – similar structures to PCB and DDT Bioavailable, environmentally persistent,
biomagnifies in blood, fatty and liver tissue (Domingo, 2004)
Extraction impacts – refining of petroleum for energy and plastic, mining and smelting of metals
Solvents in microchip fabrication – hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, arsenic, benzene and hexavalent chromium (Williams, 2003)
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Use Use –– Environmental Impacts Environmental Impacts
Electricity consumption for desktops and peripherals120W CRT+CPU; more for older
machines
Ontario Ministry of Energy, 2005
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Use Use –– Environmental Impacts Environmental Impacts
Fossil fuel power – Greenhouse gas emissions, mercury atmospheric pollution, SOX and NOX lead to acid rain and smog formation
Nuclear power – difficulties with long term management of radioactive wastes
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Disposal – Electronic WasteDisposal – Electronic Waste
Short product life expectancy (2-4 years)
Same toxins in manufacturing process can cause environmental contamination
Human health risks Lead, barium, chromium, CNS
disruptors etc. (Baul, 2002)
Human rights problems – “Exporting harm”
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E-waste Impacts in ChinaE-waste Impacts in China
Photos Courtesy of Basel Action Network
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Manufacturing Manufacturing –– Good News Good News
Greener technology PBDE-free plastic lead-free soldering fewer toxic solvents Plastics labelled with recycling
codesLess material used
Independent certification bodies e.g. TCO, Nordic Swan, EU Eco-label
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Use Use – – Good NewsGood News
New technology often more energy efficient Laptop 15W total LCD system: 80W total CRT system: down to 120W from 270W
Independent certification bodies e.g., TCO, Nordic Swan, EU Eco-label
Energy saver features are now standard
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Waste Waste –– Good News Good News
RecyclingMetal recoverySemi-precious metal recovery
Stewardship pledge (Basel Action Network)
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University of Guelph CampusUniversity of Guelph Campus
110,000,000 kWh of electricity 4,700 homes 9.2 million dollars 32,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide
per year, or over 7,000 cars (in one year)
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Breaking Down ElectricityBreaking Down Electricity
50% mechanical 35% lighting 15% plug-load
Where can we find efficiencies?
15% = $1.38 million, 4,900 GHG, 1200 cars
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Finding EfficienciesFinding Efficiencies
Sustainability Office commissioned study to look at environmental impacts of computers on campus
Report released: Environmental Impact of Computer Information Technology in an Institutional Setting: A Case Study at the University of Guelph
President asked the CIO to strike a task force
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Green Computing Task ForceGreen Computing Task Force Terms of Reference
● Identify green computing best practices
● Examine computing procurement guidelines
● Identify energy conservation strategies and practices
● Identify equipment disposal procedures
● Recommend a campus awareness program
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Task Force Members:Task Force Members:
Aiden Abram, Student Representative to ISC
Gillian Maurice, Sustainability Coordinator, Physical Resources
Blair Nonnecke, Associate Professor, Computing and Information Science
Catherine Steeves, Chair, Associate Chief Librarian for Information Technology Services
Dale Stevanus, Manager, Purchasing Services
Jeff Walker, Systems Support Manager, Library
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University of GuelphUniversity of GuelphPolicy on Environmental ProtectionPolicy on Environmental Protection
Acknowledges a responsibility for and a commitment to protection of the environment on a continuous improvement basis
Promotes and supports environmental management policies and environmentally responsible practices at every level and every department
Is committed to minimizing environmental impacts arising from the university’s activities
University of Guelph - Environmental Health and Safety’s Policy on Health and Safety 851.01.01
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Best Practices Best Practices – – PolicyPolicy
Northland College Sustainability Mission Statement
Sustainable Development Policy for the Association of Canadian Community Colleges
International Institute for Sustainable Development Sustainable Campus Policy Bank
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Recommendation – Recommendation – Campus PolicyCampus Policy
Although beyond the scope of this task group, it is recommended that the University revisit its policies and consider the creation of an institutional environmental mandate to build a strong foundation for green policies, initiatives and program
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Current Context Current Context – –
Computer ProcurementComputer Procurement
Typical computer procurement selection criteria : functionality and specifications required
by the user commercial aspects that offer best value
(best combination of functionality, price, service and other desired criteria)
compatibility with existing equipment and use
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Best Practices Best Practices –– Computer Computer ProcurementProcurement
Trent University’s Environmental Procurement Policy
McMaster University’s Responsible Purchasing Statement/Commitment to Safety and the Environment
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Recommendations Recommendations – –
Computer Procurement Computer Procurement
Purchasing Services develop a green purchasing policy for computers Companies which manufacture and
operate in environmentally sensitive ways
Manufacture to electrical efficiency standards
R&D to improve products’ environmental impact
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Best Practice - DisposalBest Practice - Disposal
Current UG e-waste disposal program represents a best practice
E-waste is divided into two separate streams, CRT monitors and all other electronic equipment
● General e-waste is sent to Production Works where it is dismantled and redistributed to scrap companies and recyclers
● CRT monitors sent to an environment friendly Toronto-based company
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Recommendations Recommendations –– Disposal Disposal
Maintain current program, plus:
Obtain suitable space for storage of e-waste and monitors
Develop and implement methodology for tracking tonnage diverted from landfill
Formalize reuse and reallocation procedures and policies
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Current Context Current Context – – Guelph Guelph Environmental AwarenessEnvironmental Awareness
Sustainability at U of G Website
Person to person workgroup presentations
Student to student presentations
Enviro Rep in-residence program
Tips and tools promotional materials
Campus media outlets
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Recommendations Recommendations –– Awareness Awareness Campus Awareness Program
Survey to gauge awareness of energy reduction and waste reduction practices and identify barriers to participation
Campaign development offering incentives and long-term behaviour modification strategies
Measure success and publicize success
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Best Best PracticesPractices – –
Energy ConservationEnergy Conservation
Implementing power management options on machines
Reducing the overall “on” time of the system as a whole
Reducing the overall “on” time of the monitor in particular
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Energy Conservation Energy Conservation StrategiesStrategies Survey current computer power
management policies and practices across campus
Coordinate participation of IT personnel in an energy reduction plan
Develop configuration standards, with IT personnel, to reduce energy consumption of computers
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Conclusion: From Cradle to Conclusion: From Cradle to GraveGrave
Top 3 priorities for Guelph:Energy conservation strategyCampus awarenessProcurement guidelines
What can your library do?
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For More Information…For More Information…
Environmental Impact of Computer Information Technology in an Institutional Setting: A Case Study at the University of Guelph
Report of the Green Computing Task Group Campus Computing and the Environment
Sustainability at U of G
Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility Resources on Computers and the Environment
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing-Electronics US Environmental Protection Agency
Electronics Product Stewardship Canada
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Contact us:Contact us:
Gillian MauriceGillian MauriceSustainability Coordinator
[email protected]
Catherine SteevesCatherine SteevesAssociate Chief Librarian, ITS
[email protected]